Is Roach clipped? Suit against Senate settled

The Washington State Senate, pledging a respectful workplace, has settled a $1.75 million lawsuit brought by Republican caucus attorney Michael Hoover over alleged abusive treatment at the hands of tempestuous, heat-packing state Sen. Pam Roach.

“Under the terms of this settlement, I will not receive any money: However, some things are more important than money, among them treating people with decency and respect,” Hoover said in a statement.

Hoover, who received legal fees, is ready to move on. Not Roach, who issued a rambling, hyperbole-filled statement.

“Political hate aimed at hurting me is wrong and needs to be addressed,” wrote Roach. “I know that having an open process is the only way to prevent powerful people from misusing their power.”

Roach was tossed out of the Republican Senate Caucus over alleged treatment of staff, and allowed back in only when Republican lawmakers needed her vote during a budget showdown last spring.

The settlement reaffirms a Senate ruling that limits contacts between Roach and staff in the Legislature’s upper chamber.

lRoach lashed out at what she called “outrageous accusations and lies about me” made by Hoover, and vented anger at her party leadership. “By law and tradition, I have been unable to comment on the treatment that I have received by a few Senate leaders in my own party,” she said.

“I am sorry the Senate decided to release this statement in my absence,” Roach added. “I am currently on humanitarian missions in both Romania and Zambia and the Senate knows this. In Romania I played an instrumental role in a health care mission.”

Roach is working with groups that include the controversial American Legislative Exchange Council: ALEC is the author of Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground gun law and state Voter ID laws designed to make it more difficult for the poor and minorities to vote.

The terms of Hoover’s settlement include a pledge that fellow employees who assisted in his suit will not be harassed. The Senate pledge to intensify training to make the Legislature’s upper chamber a more civil place.

The GOP caucus attorney noted that “pressure is intense” in the Legislature, and that “tempers can flare.”

“Nonetheless, there are limits, and everyone is entitled to decent treatment in the workplace,” he said.

Roach has tried to leave the Legislature, but has been thwarted by King County voters. She ran against and was defeated by King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson. She ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, but was defeated by fellow Republican Jennifer Dunn.